Halloween torment for residents in Listowel

RESIDENTS of Feale Drive in Listowel are being tormented by youths using Halloween as a cover for anti-social behaviour. That’s according to Sinn Fein councillor Tom Barry.

The Listowel based official tabled a motion at Monday’s council meeting calling on Kerry County Council, the Gardai and the Kerry Fire Service to highlight the potential dangers arising from bonfires and illegal fireworks at this time of year.

Cllr Barry said the residents of Feale Drive and surrounding areas were being tormented by youths using Halloween as an excuse to leave off bangers and fireworks, light fires - all of which is upsetting residents.

Cllr Barry outlined how this is becoming an annual problem which starts after the Listowel Races have finished every year.

“We’re all aware of some horrific cases at Halloween, which can be used by some to engage in anti-social behaviour,” said Cllr Barry.

He added that the amount of call-outs by Gardai and Fire Service is exceptionally high this time of year and that he, along with residents, was getting tired of the same problem arising every year. “We now have a situation where some residents actually dread this time of year. Residents in Feale Drive are putting up with this as soon as the Listowel Races are over. I want the council to work with the residents of Feale Drive and other areas of the locality to help stop this.”

Cllr Barry also wanted to know what the cost of call-outs is at this time of year and how it is allowed to happen year after year.

“Their parents and guardians should be held responsible for this action and I’m calling on the Local Authority for help on this matter,” he said.

Cllr Barry’s motion was seconded by party colleague Cllr Robert Beasely.

“I too have seen the amount of cost involved and the damage that comes with this behaviour,” said Cllr Beasely. In it’s response, Kerry County Council outlined the fact that each year Kerry Fire Service runs a campaign to advise the public of the dangers of bonfires and illegal fireworks at Halloween.

This includes advice on how to site, construct and supervise bonfires. The council’s statement indicated that it asks parents to remind children that the fire and emergency services are there to protect them and their property and ensure the safety of the public is paramount. Members of the public are also asked to respect and cooperate with the emergency services, which includes the ambulance service carrying out their duties in difficult circumstances at Halloween. The council pointed out that it engages in a campaign, yearly, through local media outlets informing the public on the dangers of ant-social behaviour at Halloween and also to remind people of their responsibility to their own safety as well as the community.

Cllr Tom Barry called on the Local Authority to ‘work with’ residents this Halloween.